CURTIS Vasconcellos, accused of discharging a loaded firearm and robbing a businessman on Saturday last, yesterday appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry. The 21-year-old of Lot 52 Remus Street, Agricola, was not required to plead to neither of the charges, which were laid indictably.
He is accused of discharging a loaded firearm at Neezam Khan, on Saturday, June 6,2015 at Grove, East Bank Demerara, with intent to murder him.
It is also alleged that on the same day at Grove, being armed with a gun, he robbed Khan of one gold chain and a finger ring.
Vasconncellos was represented by Attorney-at-Law Mr. Dexter Todd,who told the court that his client was riding a motorcycle when he heard shots and rode away.
The defence counsel disputed the police’s version of the incident and stated that the firearm was not recovered on his client. In addition, Todd argued that a ballistic test was not conducted to check for gunpowder residue.
The prosecution alleged that Khan was a licensed firearm holder and on the day in question around 14:30hrs, he was with his friends standing in front of a snackette. The defendant and three other men then rode up on two CG motorcycles, pointed a gun at Khan and relieved him of the articles mentioned in the charge.
During the robbery, Khan was shot to his left arm and the defendant made good his escape. Khan was subsequently taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre.
Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru successfully opposed bail after citing the seriousness of the offence and the penalty attached thereto. He further opposed bail on the basis that a gun was used in committing the offence and,should bail be granted, Vasconcellos would pose a flight risk.
The prosecution’s objection was upheld and the matter was adjourned to Tuesday, June 30, 2015.